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Rutgers would add program for intellectually disabled under new bill

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In this file photo from 2006, student Ashley DiMattia (center) laughs nervously with program assistant Katy Ziegener (left) as Ashley gets ready to make a presentation on personal goals during a Career Exploration class in the College of New Jersey's Career and Community Studies Program. The program gives developmentally disabled adults a chance to attend college and receive a certificate. Rutgers University would start a similar program under a new bill.
(TONY KURDZUK/THE STAR-LEDGER)

TRENTON — There are a variety of programs for students with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities in K-12 schools. But once the students leave high school, there is often little hope an intellectually disabled teenager could get admitted to college or pursue a higher education.

"Next steps are never clear cut. We are always looking for more options in the community," said Thomas Baffuto, executive director of Arc of New Jersey, a statewide that advocates for the intellectually and developmentally disabled. "Students with intellectual disabilities desire social integration among their peers and some desire the college experience, just like traditional learners."

Under new legislation, some special education students could find a place at Rutgers University.

The state university would offer a program for intellectually disabled students under a bill that was approved by the Senate Higher Education Committee today. The legislation, which now goes to the full Senate for a vote, would provide Rutgers with $500,000 in state funding to develop a program.

“Starting this program at Rutgers will provide another avenue for those with intellectual disabilities to continue to learn, gain confidence and become better prepared for a successful life after high school,” said Sen. Robert Singer (R-Ocean), who co-sponsored the bill with Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester). “As these students are now often integrated with their friends and peers in high school classrooms, it’s time we open up our publicly-funded state university to these same shared experiences as well.”

The College of New Jersey started a small, four-year program — called the Career and Community Studies — for intellectually disabled students on its Ewing campus a few years ago. Students receive a certificate, not a bachelor's degree, after graduating.

If approved, the Rutgers program would be similar to the College of New Jersey's program. Students would attend both traditional Rutgers classes and special career readiness classes, while participating in the social life on campus, supporters said. They would receive a certificate at the end of four years.

The Rutgers program would admit between 8 and 10 students its first year and eventually expand, the legislation said. Rutgers would get $500,000 in state funding for the program, though only $250,000 could be used the first year. The bill does not say how much tuition students would pay.

The state Senate bill (S1958) that advanced today is identical to a bill (A3068) being considered in the Assembly.

Rutgers officials said they are interested in the idea and are working with the sponsors of the legislation on developing the program. However, the university will need to study whether it has the capacity and the resources to sustain a program for the intellectually disabled.

Nationwide, more programs for intellectually disabled students are being piloted at local colleges and universities. But some question whether the costly programs truly help disabled students or are created more to appease parents who want to see their children have a college experience. It is often unclear whether a college certificate from one of the programs will help students qualify for a job after graduation.

Baffuto, executive director of Arc of New Jersey, testified before the Senate higher education committee that he has been impressed by the College of New Jersey's program for the intellectually disabled.

He described one student who was working a part-time job to pay his tuition while taking classes. The student told Baffuto he was struggling in an introductory math class, but was getting help from a student mentor assigned by the college.

Baffuto said college choices should be available to more students.

"We'd like to see it expanded even further. It is a wonderful option for people with intellectual disabilities," Baffuto said.